Managing Skin Conditions in Pregnancy: A Dermatologist's Guide to What's Safe
Written by Dr Alice Rudd, General and Cosmetic Dermatologist, Skindepth Dermatology and Alice Flannery, Fertility Naturopath, Fenn Store | Last reviewed June 2026
Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes, your skincare routine included. While the glow is real, some treatments and ingredients are best left off your list to help protect your growing baby.
"During pregnancy, the focus is on protecting the developing baby and minimising exposure to potentially harmful substances," says Dr Alice Rudd, a general and cosmetic dermatologist affiliated with The Alfred Hospital and The Skin Health Institute in Melbourne.
How hormones affect your skin across your cycle and into pregnancy
"The needs of our skin will fluctuate as we move through the different life stages, so it is important to be gentle with ourselves and to embrace the different seasons of our skin," says Alice Flannery, a Sydney-based Fertility Naturopath specialising in skin, gut and hormone health.
Understanding how your skin changes across your cycle helps you understand why pregnancy amplifies those changes so dramatically. Here is what is happening at each phase:
Menstrual phase: low progesterone and low oestrogen. Low oil production and reduced barrier function, increased inflammation and breakouts are common.
Follicular phase: increasing oestrogen. Skin is generally balanced and glowing.
Ovulation: oestrogen peaks, progesterone rising. Skin is plump and glowing, though increased oil production may trigger breakouts around this time.
Luteal phase: high progesterone means high oil production, making skin more prone to breakouts in the lead up to menstruation.
Breakouts that occur pre-menstrually or around ovulation suggest an imbalance in the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone. Healthy ovulation and adequate liver detoxification are both important for keeping this ratio in check. Breakouts that persist throughout the entire cycle may suggest elevated testosterone, which typically presents as deep, hormonal pimples rather than surface-level congestion.
In pregnancy, these hormonal shifts are amplified significantly. Many women experience increased skin sensitivity, reactions to products that previously worked, redness, itchiness and dehydration as the skin stretches and adjusts to accommodate a growing belly.
Skin treatments to avoid during pregnancy
Chemical peels
Strong acids like salicylic acid or high concentrations of glycolic acid can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. "High-dose systemic salicylates have been linked to foetal complications, including intracranial bleeding and organ toxicity. Although the topical application of low-concentration salicylic acid under 2% is generally considered safe, I recommend erring on the side of caution and choosing milder alternatives," says Dr Alice.
Retinoids
Whether topical or oral, retinoids found in anti-ageing products are linked to birth defects and should be avoided completely during pregnancy. "Even topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, are avoided due to their systemic absorption, albeit minimal, and the lack of conclusive safety data in pregnancy," she explains. This includes over-the-counter retinol products as well as prescription-strength preparations.
Laser treatments
Similar to other non-essential cosmetic procedures, the laser treatments used during hair removal or skin resurfacing lack sufficient safety data in pregnancy. "We tend to avoid laser treatments in pregnancy as, though they are likely to be safe, if a complication that is unrelated to the treatment were to occur, the treatment is often blamed. It is best to wait for these non-essential treatments," says Dr Alice. For more detail on specific laser and cosmetic treatments during pregnancy, Victorian Cosmetic Institute has a useful reference on pregnancy safety.
Hydroquinone
A skin lightening ingredient commonly used for pigmentation and melasma. Hydroquinone should be completely avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its proven teratogenic effects in animal studies, meaning it can interfere with normal foetal development.
Common skin conditions during pregnancy: how to manage them
Even if you have spent years perfecting your skincare routine, hormonal shifts during pregnancy can trigger a range of new skin concerns. Here is what Dr Alice recommends for the most common ones.
Melasma
Pregnancy-related pigmentation, particularly melasma, is one of the most common skin changes women experience. "Pregnancy induces a lot of skin changes, the predominant one being pigmentation, especially melasma. This is not preventable, but the severity can be reduced by wearing daily sunscreen and selecting products such as Vitamin C, B, and other antioxidants," Dr Alice says.
Daily SPF is the single most impactful step. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 and apply it every morning regardless of whether you plan to be outdoors.
Acne
Breakouts are common during pregnancy due to increased oil production driven by hormonal changes. Stick to pregnancy-safe cleansers and treatments containing glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide at low concentrations. Avoid salicylic acid above 2% and all retinoids, as noted above.
Facial redness
"There is increased blood flow, and often women will notice facial redness during pregnancy," Dr Alice notes. This is typically harmless. Calming ingredients such as niacinamide and gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers can help soothe the skin without irritation.
Stretch marks
For some women, stretch marks will appear as skin stretches to accommodate a growing bump. Dr Alice recommends regular body brushing to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Body moisturisers containing vitamins C and E are also beneficial. "I personally used a silicone gel called Stratamark from the second trimester, and it really helped me not get stretch marks," she says.
How to support skin health in pregnancy from the inside out
What you eat affects skin health during pregnancy as much as what you apply topically. Alice Flannery recommends focusing on the following nutrients for both preconception and pregnancy skin health:
Omega-3 fatty acids to support hormone production, foetal health and skin health. Food sources: avocado, oily fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil.
Zinc, an essential skin nutrient. Food sources: pumpkin seeds, legumes, meat.
B vitamins, essential for skin barrier function and preventing trans-epidermal water loss. Food sources: dark leafy greens, whole grains, eggs.
Antioxidant-rich foods: brightly coloured fruits and vegetables broadly.
Vitamin C, important for skin texture, collagen synthesis and healing. Food sources: kiwi fruit, papaya, strawberries, capsicum and citrus fruits.
From a lifestyle perspective, Alice also recommends stress management practices including gentle movement, meditation and time in nature, which reduce cortisol-driven skin inflammation. Eliminating alcohol, reducing caffeine and ensuring adequate water intake all support liver function, which Alice notes "plays a crucial role in skin health and fertility as a healthy liver means healthy hormones."
Supporting skin topically means keeping your routine simple and focusing on barrier health. Avoid synthetic vitamin A-based products in pregnancy and opt for pregnancy-safe alternatives. A nourishing body oil can soothe dry pregnancy skin and support a growing belly.
A quality prenatal supplement supports skin from within. Nutrients including zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C and selenium are all crucial for skin appearance and integrity, in addition to their roles in foetal development. The Prenatal by moode contains zinc, a full B complex and calcium folinate. For more on choosing the right prenatal, see The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Prenatal Vitamins. Always read the label and follow directions for use.
For more on pregnancy nutrition broadly, see Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Grow a Healthy Baby.
moode answers your questions about skin conditions in pregnancy
Is it safe to use sunscreen during pregnancy?
Yes. Sunscreen is not only safe but strongly recommended throughout pregnancy, particularly for managing melasma. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered the safest options, though evidence on chemical sunscreen safety during pregnancy continues to develop.
Can I use vitamin C serum when pregnant?
Yes. Vitamin C is considered safe during pregnancy and is one of the ingredients Dr Alice specifically recommends for managing pigmentation and supporting skin health. Look for a stable formulation such as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside.
Are facial oils safe during pregnancy?
Most carrier oils, including rosehip, jojoba and marula, are considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid any facial oil containing retinol, salicylic acid or high concentrations of essential oils, as some essential oils are contraindicated in pregnancy.
What can I do for pregnancy acne if I cannot use retinoids or high-dose salicylic acid?
Low concentration benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and azelaic acid are all generally considered safe alternatives for managing pregnancy acne. Azelaic acid in particular has evidence for both acne and pigmentation and is well-tolerated. Always discuss with your dermatologist or GP before starting any new active ingredient during pregnancy.
When can I return to regular skincare treatments after birth?
If you are breastfeeding, some of the same restrictions apply, particularly for retinoids and hydroquinone. Once breastfeeding ends, most treatments can be resumed. Discuss your post-pregnancy skincare plan with your dermatologist, particularly if you are dealing with persistent melasma, which can be effectively treated after birth with a combination of topical agents and procedures.
About Dr Alice Rudd
Dr Alice Rudd is a General and Cosmetic Dermatologist based in Melbourne. She is affiliated with The Alfred Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, and completed her medical degree at Monash University followed by specialist training with the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Visit Skindepth Dermatology to learn more or book a consultation.
About Alice Flannery
Alice Flannery is a Sydney-based, degree-qualified Naturopath specialising in skin, gut, hormone and digestive health, with a particular focus on fertility and preconception care. She sees clients face-to-face in Paddington and Orange NSW, and via telehealth.
